Characterization of extracellular vesicles obtained from Cancer-associated fibroblast spheroids

• Grant number: 24/18367-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Program to Stimulate Scientific Vocations
• Start date: February 24, 2025
• End date: April 07, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Cytology and Cell Biology
• Principal Investigator: Bruno Solano de Freitas Souza
• Grantee: Gabriela Guerra
• Host Institution: Unidade Rio de Janeiro. Instituto D'Or de Pesquisa e Ensino (IDOR). Rede D'Or São Luiz (RDSL)

Abstract

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for the majority of malignant oral cancer cases and is more common in men aged 50 to 60, although its incidence in younger patients is increasing. OSCC is typically diagnosed at advanced stages, resulting in unfavorable prognoses and high treatment costs. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are particles released by cells in response to various stimuli and play key roles in cancer, including tumor progression and immune regulation. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) significantly contribute to cell-to-cell communication mediated by EVs. This project aims to investigate the role of EVs in OSCC aggressiveness and treatment resistance. The hypothesis is that EVs derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promote OSCC cell cannibalism and chemotherapy resistance. The use of OSCC spheroids as a study model is emphasized to better understand complex mechanisms such as cell cannibalism, EV function, and chemoresistance. It is expected that a deeper understanding of EVs in the context of OSCC will contribute to the development of clinical applications based on these particles, providing new therapeutic targets and improving treatment outcomes. (AU)